Octopus Carpaccio: A Delicate and Flavorful Seafood Starter

Ingredients

For the Octopus:

• 1 kg cleaned octopus
• 1 carrot, roughly chopped
• 1 celery stalk, roughly chopped
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 sprigs fresh parsley
• 1 garlic clove
• Black peppercorns, to taste

For the Citronette Dressing:

• Extra virgin olive oil, to taste
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Instructions

1. Prepare the Octopus:
   • Rinse the cleaned octopus under cold water.
   • In a large pot, add the carrot, celery, onion, parsley, garlic, and peppercorns. Fill with enough cold water to submerge the octopus and bring to a boil.
2. Cook the Octopus:
   • Holding the octopus by the head, dip the tentacles into the boiling water 5-6 times to curl them.
   • Fully submerge the octopus, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
   • Turn off the heat and let the octopus cool in its cooking water (do not remove the lid).
     1. Shape the Carpaccio:
        • Once lukewarm, remove the octopus and separate the tentacles from the head. Cut the head into pieces.
        • Cut a plastic bottle in half lengthwise. Place the bottom half inside a container.
        • Press the octopus pieces firmly into the bottle using a pestle or ladle. Drain excess liquid but reserve some for collagen.
        • Fold the edges of the bottle over the octopus and wrap tightly with cling film.
        • Place a weighted jar on top (for even pressure) and refrigerate for at least 12 hours to set.
     2. Slice and Plate:
        • Remove the plastic bottle carefully and thinly slice the pressed octopus with a sharp knife.
        • Arrange the slices on a serving plate in a single layer.
     3. Make the Citronette:
        • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
     4. Serve:
        • Drizzle the citronette over the octopus carpaccio just before serving.

     Serving Suggestion:
     Enjoy as an elegant appetizer or pair with a fresh salad or